One Saanich officer remains in hospital and “continues to get progressively better day by day,” says Chief Dean Duthie.
.
One of six police officers injured in a shooting outside a Shelbourne Street bank on June 28 left the Royal Jubilee Hospital on Friday.
Announcement 2
.
The Saanich officer was greeted by family members and police officers from the Saanich force and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team.
“Today is very special, moving and inspiring as one of our wounded officers returns home where he can continue to heal and grow stronger while surrounded by his loving family,” said Saanich Police Chief Dean Duthie.
The officer’s inner strength, determination and courage inspire all Saanich Police personnel as well as members of the community, Duthie said.
Six officers from the emergency response team were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.
One Saanich officer remains in hospital and “continues to get progressively better day by day,” Duthie said.
Announcement 3
.
“We are so grateful for the extraordinary care, compassion, and professionalism of the medical staff, nurses, physicians, and surgeons at [Royal Jubilee Hospital] who helped and guided our officer’s healing to this day.”
Two men entered the Bank of Montreal Bank on Shelbourne Street on June 28 and ordered the manager to take them to the vault. No one at the bank was injured.
The shooting began as the men left the branch. Police shot and killed two suspects, brothers from Shawnigan Lake. Videos taken by bystanders show police officers running towards the bank as gunshots ring out repeatedly.
The emergency response team had been in the area and responded to the report of a bank robbery, pulling up to his truck. Photos from the scene show the truck riddled with bullet holes.
Announcement 4
.
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit is investigating, as is the BC Office of Independent Investigations, which investigates all cases of police-involved injuries or deaths.
A fundraising page started by the Victoria City Police Union and the Saanich Police Association to help injured officers with their recovery has raised around $277,000 from more than 1,400 donations.
More news, less ads: Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 a week, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post, and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The province.
